In a world where the average turnover rate in some industries spikes to over 21%, holding onto talent becomes a challenge every leader faces. Yet, it’s a challenge that Rasmus Holst, CEO of LMS 365, meets with a vision that transcends the typical corporate approach. In an enlightening episode of the Lead What Levity podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, Rasmus divulges the universal key to not just keeping talent, but also nurturing it to thrive and grow within any industry.
Understanding Human Success
From the onset, Rasmus Holst lays out a compelling narrative that challenges the conventional norms of employee retention and corporate growth. “Investing in human success is universal,” he asserts, drawing connections between diverse fields like construction and software development. This notion is grounded in the belief that regardless of the industry, providing people with reasons to grow and stay is essential. A notable statistic sheds light on this perspective: more than 40% of workers in the U.S. report that their organization’s commitment to employee development keeps them satisfied at work. Yet, less than half feel their company significantly invests in their growth.
The LMS 365 Story: From Library to Global Business
Rasmus shares the intriguing origin story of LMS 365, which began nearly two decades ago with a dentist in Denmark who quit his job to help people find books in a local library. This simple yet innovative act laid the foundation for a global business, turning over about $30 million and partnering up with giants like Microsoft. Fast forward to today, LMS 365 is used by 2000 organizations across the world, affirming Rasmus’s belief that great ideas can come from the most humble beginnings.
Changing Narratives: Human Resources to Human Success
Rasmus introduces a thought-provoking shift in corporate terminology: from human resources to human success. This language change reflects a deeper commitment to recognizing employees not as mere assets but as individuals with potential and aspirations. “Why are we not thinking about people as success?” he questions, prompting leaders to invest in their teams’ success, not just witness it from afar.
Engagement, Learning, and Performance: The Triad of Success
Drawing a direct correlation between engaged employees and organizational success, Rasmus highlights the importance of engagement, learning, and performance. These elements are beneficial for the business and crucial for personal success and fulfillment. He shares insights into how LMS 365 has evolved to facilitate this, integrating tools that shorten learning curves and make knowledge more accessible than ever before.
Looking Ahead: A Rocket Ship of Growth and the Legacy of Human Success
As the conversation steers towards the future, Rasmus envisions a “rocket ship of growth” for LMS 365, with aspirations of a billion-dollar IPO by 2027. Yet, beyond business success, his greater ambition is to leave a mark on the corporate world by transforming human resource departments into departments of human success. This vision, he believes, will ensure a legacy where every employment opportunity is an investment in becoming the best version of oneself.
The Power of Human Success
In an era where technological advancements and corporate structures redefine work cultures, Rasmus Holst’s philosophy presents a refreshing perspective on success. It’s a conversation that extends beyond the confines of LMS 365, challenging leaders across all industries to reflect on how they view, treat, and invest in their most valuable asset: their people.
Listeners left the conversation with not just insights into one CEO’s journey from a small Danish library to the helm of a global enterprise but also with a challenge to redefine what success looks like within their organizations—and, possibly, within themselves.
For more insights into Rasmus Holst’s vision and the transformative power of LMS 365, connect with him on LinkedIn or explore the innovative solutions at LMS 365.
This episode of the Lead What Levity podcast not only peeled back layers on the necessity of nurturing talent but also served as a beacon for those looking to foster an environment where people are encouraged to grow, stay, and thrive.
Currently CEO of LMS365 – where we have built a learning management business from $0-30 million ARR bootstrapped, including three acquisitions over the last three years.
During my career, I have been part of management teams delivering exits just shy of $1bn and part of raising +$50m for various businesses’ including Wire and Huddle.
I have worked in private equity-backed companies (Carlyle and Warburg Pincus), VC-funded companies (General Atlantic, Index, Vertex, Morpheus, Iconical), and received the first investment by Cisco outside of the USA for an internet billing system.
I love being part of growing start-ups like Wire and Digiquant with 0 USD revenue, as well as operating Lines of Business at Syniverse worth more than 300m USD annually and delivering innovation in Oracle and Nokia.
I’m a big believer in branding – even in B2B and the storytelling that brands provide in the sales cycles – most recently with the new brand for LMS365 focusing on learners and the brand promise of “Learn like you”.
Trusting teams is the way we deliver results. I’ve managed teams in 14 different countries, traveled to +100 countries, and had customers in all nations, bar one, given my mobile roaming background – which gives a unique perspective on cultures and business.
My track record also illustrates that I’ve delivered growth of +300% YoY and consolidation and integration/consolidation projects, saving +25m USD per year.
I’ve lived with my family in Denmark, Luxembourg, and San Francisco – uniquely giving me a perspective on what an international career means to family life and balance.
All of this, I believe, gives me the ability to share a broad set of experiences that combines building business, operating internationally, raising capital, and delivering on exits – all this with a great blend of wins and failures that ultimately amounts to the experience that makes me who I am today.
